Prime Minister's Birthday

Dato' Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak celebrated his birthday yesterday on 23rd July 2009. He is the sixth prime minister of Malaysia since 3rd April 2009.

He had established One Malaysia or 1Malaysia site as a platform between him and all Malaysians in the country.

'The website aims to serve as an interactive platform between Dato’ Sri Najib Razak and fellow Malaysians on issues affecting the country and its people today. It also aims to encourage Malaysians to take a proactive part in fostering a healthy attitude in a multicultural community".

More on 1Malaysia....

Batu Caves

Funnily, the name Batu Caves is a mix of two languages, English and Malay. In Malay the word 'gua' means cave while stone is the english word for 'batu'. Some of the locals here called the place as 'Gua Batu Caves'. Nevertheless, Gua Batu Caves is a limestone temple built inside a cave (Actually, it's consist of a few linking caves). One has to climb about 272 concrete steps to get into the caves. Gua Batu Caves is situated at the northern part of KL in Gombak district. It is about half an hour journey from the centre of KL city. It is a famous place for Hindu worshippers. During the festival of Thaipusam, the Gua Batu Caves is fulled of thousands of people mostly Malaysian Indian and also from every part of the world. The Thaipusam festival is held in the month of february every year.

10 Reasons Why Malaysia is the Best Place for Vacation

10 reasons why people should come to Malaysia for vacation instead of other countries in Asean. It's simply because:
1. it is peaceful country (terrorist free);
2. the people are friendly and understand english;
3. it has many well preserved tropical island like Tioman Island, Langkawi, Sipadan Island etc.;
4. situated between Thailand and Singapore. So, you can visit these countries after visiting Malaysia;
5. it has a lot shopping malls;
6. it has variety of food;
7. it has many beautiful golf courses;
8. modern;
9. clean
10. many pretty girls.

5 Best Places to Minum-Minum (Supper) in KL During the Weekend

5 Best Places to Minum-Minum (Supper) in KL During the Weekend

In my opinion, there are 5 Best place to minum-minum (supper) in KL During the the weekend and they are:
1. Hartamas is on the top of my choices. It has plenty of restaurants like mamak restaurant such as Pelita, Safiz etc. Other outlets such as the Starbucks, Coffee Beans and others attract youngsters to lepak here.
2. Bangsar as i have mentioned it in the last posting.
3. Mamak stalls in Doraisamy Street near the Wilayah Complex. Open twenty four hours and serve tasty the tarik. A good place to lepak till morning.
4. Plaza Damaz at Hartamas. Few restaurants like Aji Don and others.
5. Up Town five years ago. Now a bit crowded with petty traders.

Having said all that, few other places which i think a good place to minum-minum such as Suzy Corner, Triple 2 and SS2 Stalls.

10 Largest Shopping Malls in the World

There are 10 largest shopping malls in the world and one of them is in Malaysia:

1. South China Mall
Dongguan, China
Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feet

2. Golden Resources
Beijing, China
Opened: 2004
Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feet

3. Dubai Mall
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opened: 2008
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

4. Cevahir Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

5. West Edmonton Mall
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Opened: 1981
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

6. SM Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Philippines
Opened: 2006
Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feet

7. SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Opened: 1991
Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feet

8. Berjaya Times Square
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet

9. Eastwood Mall Complex
Youngstown, Ohio
Opened: 1969
Gross Leasable Area: 3.2 million square feet

10. SM City N. Edsa
Quezon City, Philippines
Opened: 1985
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival Fever

From 4th July 2009 till 31st July 2009 (On 4th July the American celebrate their independence day while 31st August is the independence day of Malaysia. Both from Britain) is the return of Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival. It is like an annual festival for all shopaholic in Malaysia. All the malls like One Utama, Mid Valley and Suria KLCC and even the smallest business outlets are taking part in the carnival by offering goods at ridiculous discounted price. Watches, clothes, bags, shoes and many more are being sold at prices as low as 25% of it's original price during this 8 week period which make many shopaholics going crazy. Anyway, let's join the crowd and enjoy the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival.

Fun Activities in Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Other fun activities especially for kids in KL Bird Park are like feeding the parrots. You can also take photos of you or your family with trained birds at the Feathered Friends Photo Booth. Even if you do not bring any camera the park provide instant photo services for you. Moreover, at the middle of the park you can stop at the Bird Gallery and Education Centre where you can learn many new things about birds.

The Owls - The KL Bird Park

Certain birds in the KL bird Park like the owls as shown in the picture above are being kept in the cage. I think it's for their own good and for the other birds.

Visit http://www.klbirdpark.com for more information .

KL Bird Park - The World's Largest Free Flight Walk-in Aviary

First Photo: The flamingo is searching for fishes. Too bad out of stock.

Second Photo: The peacock is showing off in front of one of the visitors

First & Second Photo: Some naughty birds of the Bird Park like to lepak in the cafe compound. They might want your snack.

Third photo: No need strugling for food. It's already well served.

Photo (above): During hot sunny day it's better for the flamingo to keep both of it's feet in the water.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is another interesting place in Kuala Lumpur. Never miss to visit this place when you're in Kuala Lumpur. It's just 10 minutes driving from Bangsar and 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). It is the world's largest Free Flight Walk-in Aviary. There are about 60 over species of birds from all around the world flying freely in the 20.9 acres park.
The main attractions are the Brahminy Land where birds of prey being exhibited, world of parrots, Oriental Birds Aviary, Flamingo Pond, Flightless Birds, Horn Bill Park and the Amphitheater (daily bird show). KL Bird Park is the best choice for family outing where the children will surely love it watching the flamingo, the peacock and many others walking and moving freely around them.

The Latest News on Virus H1N1 in Malaysia

Until 8 am, 13th July 2009 there were 62 new cases of Infuenza A (H1N1) being reported in Malaysia. Out of this, 28 cases were imported while the remaining 34 cases were transmitted locally. This make a total of 772 cases being reported in Malaysia and so far 685 (89%) of the H1N1 patiences have been discharged from the hospital. The government through the Ministry of Health Malaysia has already taken necessary actions to slow down the spreading of the desease.

The Prime Ministers of Malaysia

Malaysia got it’s independence from the British on 31st August 1957. The government is formed through election process. So far, since the day of the independence the party of Barisan Nasional has won every election. The success of Barisan National is due to the fact that it is a multi party coalition consist of parties which represent their own respective ethnic such as malay, chinese, indian and others. The leader of the winning party will become the prime minister of Malaysia. Until now, there were 6 prime ministers of Malaysia and they are:

i. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (31st August 1957 – 22 September 1970)
ii. Tun Abdul Razak bin Haji Dato’ Hussein Al Haj (22 September 1970 – 14 January 1976)
iii. Tun Hussein bin Dato’Onn (15 January 1976 – 16 July 1981)
iv. Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad (16 July 1981 – 31st October 2003)
v. Tun Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi (31st October 2003 – 3rd April 2009)
vi. Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak (3rd April 2009 until now)

The longest serving prime minister of Malaysia was Tun Mahathir Mohamad. During his time many new policies were made and implemented in order to bring Malaysia toward modernization. Among them are privatization policy, look east policy, vision 2020 and many more.

Photos of Petaling Street

Photos of Petaling Street are from Photobucket.com

Drop By at Petaling Street Whenever You're in KL

Situated at the middle of Kuala Lumpur (KL). Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling is also being called China Town. It is about 5 minutes walking from The Central market. Here, in Petaling Street you can buy watches, shirts, DVD's and many more. Most of them are imitations. Try to bargain at least half of the price being offered. If the seller agrees with your price don't ever cancel the purchased as he will feel intimidated. If you want to bargain just make sure you really want that products. Whenever you're in KL just drop by at Petaling Street for a short visit.

Tale of Two Brothers - Tuah and Jebat

It was a long time ago around 15th century in the city Malacca. It was before the arrival and domination of Portugal upon the city. This was a story of 5 sworn brothers namely Tuah, Jebat, Lekir, Kasturi and Lekiu. Possessed high level of martial art skill and bravery. They succeeded in becoming 'pendekar' (similar to a knight) to serve the sultan (king). Among them Tuah was the most successfull. he was chosed to be the first Laksamana (admiral) of Malacca.

His success created enemies who envied him. He was then being framed for having an illicit affairs with one of the sultan's concubine. He was sentenced to death with no trial being conducted. Bendahara (chief minister) who he was very closed with carried out the sentence.

Later, his childhood friends, Jebat rebel and took over the palace in order to avenge his unjusticed death. The other brother tried to persuaded him but failed. The sultan who had run to a safer place sent many of his best warriors to challenge Jebat but they were either being killed and seriously injured.


The 'Bendahara' told the sultan that he had hidden Tuah far away from the city. The sultan after hearing this instructed the bendahara to bring back Hang Tuah to him. The sultan then instructed Tuah to kill Jebat. Tuah confronted Jebat in the palace and they fought for several days. At the end Jebat was killed by Tuah. The story was a tragedy.

One believe that he was doing the right thing in avenging his brother's death and the other one believe that one must pledge his loyalty to the ruler (the sultan). Who was right between them has been argued until today.

Ready to Served Keropok Lekor

Some of the photos of Deep Fried Keropok Lekor.

Keropok Lekor

Keropok Lekor is a hot and crispy food that many Malaysian love to eat. It first became famous by people in state of Kelantan and Terengganu which situated in East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Fish is it's main ingredient. Actually it is a fish sausage as it tube shaped look like a sausage. "Keropok lekor' can be served either deep fried or boiled and best served when it is hot. Usually to be eaten better by dipping it with specially made chilli sauce. Yummy.

Lepak

'Lepak' simply means 'hang out' or to an extent it also means 'loitering'. To be pronounced 'lay park'. for example: Lepak with friends means hanging out with friends. Okey, Let's lepak...

Bangsar; A Good Place to Lepak

A lot of people like to hang out in Bangsar town as it being one of the popular spot in Kuala Lumpur. The place never dies. 24/7. Place for the elite but full of wannabe. Restaurants, malls, bars to name a few are the magnet which pull the crowd to join the wagon. Me myself sometime after work 'lepak' (hang out) here meeting some friends and enjoying a glass of warm lemon tea and a plate of 'keropok lekor' in a restaurant called Chawan. The only issue here is lacks of parking space. Looking the right spot to park your car is totally annoying. But still it worth the effort.

Playing Golf in Malaysia

Golf has slowly becoming a culture in Malaysia. A lot of tourist came to Malaysia include golf in their vacation package such as those from Korea and Japan. The cost playing golf in Malaysia can be said very cheap. Let's say one can play one round of 18 holes golf as minimum as RM 30 ++ (about USD 10) per person. But, there are certain high standard golf course which charge expensive green fees. But i think it is still cheaper than some countries considering the currency exchange values. Let say if one wish to play a round of golf in Saujana Golf and Country Club, he/she has only paying about RM300 on the weekdays (about USD 100). This club has established itself by winning many recognition and awards. 15th Maybank Malaysian Open was recently being held here (somewhere in February 2009). Some of distinguished players in the tournament were Anthony Kim (AK), Thongchai Jaidee and Johan Edfors. The club is about 15 to 20 minute away from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. There other clubs at this standard in Kuala lumpur alone. To name a few; Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) and Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA). Playing golf at these clubs can really challenge your skills phisically and mentally. Enjoy your game.

King of Fruits

Malaysia is blessed with various kind of exotic tropical fruits namely mangosteen, rambutan, mango, star fruits and many others. But one fruit to rule them all. It is called - Durian. It has been the most popular fruit among the locals since the beginning. The smell has been its curse and its blessing. Its strong smell makes the local unable to resist the temptation to taste it. But to the tourist especially from the west it's differant story as they can not stand the strong smell coming out from the fruit. I have yet to see any western tourist manage to eat the whole slice. The government's agencies concern are trying hard to create durian trees which produce less smell fruit but the locals might not like it.

Terima Kasih and Bagus

To get good impression from the locals, the tourist should master one or two malay vocabularies before entering the country. Eventhough most of the Malaysian (more than 90 %) understand English, i still believe that to know one or more word will somehow can help the tourist communicate better with the locals. Actually Malay language is also being spoken and understood in Indonesia, Singapore and South Thailand. The first word and perhap the most important one to know is 'Terima Kasih' (Pronounced : Terry mah cah seeh) which means thank you. Say it and the locals will love you. The second best word to know i think would be 'bagus' (Pronounced : Bha Goose) which mean good. When a waiter asked you about your food being served, just reply back to him 'bagus' and 'terima kasih'.

Malaysian Food

Malaysia offers various kind of food from the hottest chillies based food to the sweet sugar based of food. Most people in states of Malacca and Negeri Sembilan, they enjoy hot (chillies) food. On the other hand to enjoy sweet dishes visiting states of Kelantan and Terengganu is the most suitable. Try the Malaysian food and you will love it.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre - KLCC

Malaysia has many interesting places to be visited. In Kuala Lumpur alone offers many attractions to the tourist. Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is one of the attractions. It is also where Petronas Twin Tower (used to be the tallest building in the world) being located. Visitors can enjoy shopping in the mall called Suria KLCC or bringing family to a journey of underwaterpark for RM30 (USD 9) per person (adult) or enjoying the landscape filled with beautifull fountain and garden surrounding the KLCC. KLCC is easy to reach as it is well connected with other places by trains and other modes of tranportation.

Fishing at Kenyir Lake

One of interesting places in Malaysia to visit is Kenyir Lake. It is the largest man made lake consisting of 340 islands and 14 waterfall and surrounded with worth seeing tropical rain forest. Anglers love to come here as it has fresh water fishes from hundred of species. It took about 4 to 5 hours driving form Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu plus another less than one hour to the lake. The anglers can rent a boat house at reasonable price. The boat house can accomodate 10 to 15 people depending on the boat house size. The boat house equipped with basic necessities such as beds, toilets and cooking equipment. Certain boat house employed a cook so anglers will spent most of their time fishing and less in the kitchen. Fishing at Kenyir Lake was the best fishing moment i ever had in Malaysia.

HPI

Malaysia is ranked 33rd happiest place in the world year 2009.
To know more about Happy Planet Index (HPI), visit this site : www.happyplanetindex.org

The fastest way to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the main city. The locals simply pronounce it as K.L (Key El). The fastest way to travel to the city from Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA), is by train called KLIA Express, as the journey only takes 28 minutes non-stop. The train is equipped with comfortable seats, digital entertainment, a wheelchair seat restraint, a wheelchair-friendly washroom, and luggage racks. One way trip cost you RM 35 or about USD 9 (RM15 for children ages between 2 to 12 years old).

States of Malaysia

Peninsular Malaysia
Perlis
Penang Island
Kedah
Perak
Selangor
Negri Sembilan
Malacca
Johore
Pahang
Terengganu
Kelantan

West Malaysia
Sarawak
Sabah

Basics about Malaysia

Malaysia is a country that consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur (K.L). The population stands at over 27 million. The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate. Malaysia has a biodiverse range of flora and fauna and is also considered one of the 18 megadiverse countyries.

Malaysia is devided into two region being separated by South Chinese Sea - Peninsular Malaysia and West Malaysia.